1. The advent of August always means we’re getting close to a new television season.
With that in mind, I have three new shows I think will be megahits. In no particular order, they are:
“Boston Blue” (CBS): This series should be a bona fide blockbuster. In the “Blue Bloods” universe expansion, NYPD Officer Danny Reagan (Donnie Wahlberg) takes a position with Boston PD, where he is paired with Detective Lena Silvers (Sonequa Martin-Green), the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family. Wahlberg emerged as a fan favorite and THE star in the closing years of “Blue Bloods”. The supporting cast on the original “Blue Bloods” was always a key to tis success, so it will be interesting to see new characters are cultivated to interact alongside Wahlberg.
Debuts: Oct. 17.
“NCIS: Tony and Ziva” (will stream on Paramount Plus): I think this series will be huge, too. The show will star Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprising their roles as former NCIS special agents Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo and Ziva David, and will mark their first time appearing together in 12 years since “NCIS” season 11.
The spin-off will reunite the two characters and center around the events that shaped their storyline in Europe. Weatherly was part of the original “NCIS” cast until his departure in 2016, but returned in 2024 for a special tribute episode honoring David McCallum, who portrayed Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard for 20 seasons, while de Pablo was a series regular from seasons 3 to 11 and made guest appearances in seasons 16 and 17.
Debuts Sept. 4.
“Fear Factor” (Fox): I’m going out on a limb a bit with this selection, but those who remember the original series are probably cringing at what a modern-day version will hold for contestants. The rebirth of this iconic reality show will have its participants dropped into an unforgiving, remote location. The group of strangers will live together under one roof, and face mind-blowing stunts, harrowing challenges and a twisted game of social strategy where trust is fleeting — and fear is a weapon. Only one contestant will conquer all their fears and walk away with the massive grand prize. Hosting the show will be Johnny Knoxville.
Debuts: “Midseason,” with no specific date yet.
2. Did you know (Part 452)
That Dairy Queen’s blizzard of the month for August is the Reese’s Peanut Butter Caramel Craze.
That Butterfinger has a new candy bar flavor: Marshmallow..
That McDonald’s has a new milkshake flavor coming Aug. 12. The guess is cotton candy.
That Baskin-Robbins’ ice cream flavor of the month is “M&M’s Monster Cookie”. It has a brown sugar base.
That Wendy’s launched some new energy drinks this week, most notably Cherry Limeade and Pineapple Citrus.
3. Appalachian Word of the Day:
Tiller. “Man, I loved that car so much I drove it tiller wheels fell off.”
Steve Thought O’ The Day — Humans are the only species to cut down trees, make paper out of them and then write “Save the Trees” on that paper.
